The Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 38-114 lens features a folded-path design that expands internally, while the 2.5in LCD screen composed of 123,000 pixels.

Pocket Album is a new feature that enables 1100 images to be stored in VGA format using a separate memory, and with the Slide Show plus Movie function you can create slideshows accompanied by music (MP3 or CD) using the supplied Picture Package software. There is also a selection of built-in styles including: active, stylish, simple and nostalgic and transitions that can be applied.

A fast start-up time and enhanced picture quality is promised thanks to Sony?s Real Imaging Processor, which also improves the signal-to-noise ratio.

Constructed from aluminium the M2 is designed to be used with one hand. Images and movies can be stored on Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the M2 is the first Sony digicam to incorporate stereo sound.

Other features include: PictBridge compatibility, Hybrid Record mode (which records five seconds before and three seconds after the picture was taken) and USB 2.0 image transfer.

The Sony Cyber-shot M2 will retail for £399.99. Find out more at www.sony.co.uk or by calling 08705 111999.